the top of the outer vertical posts pulleys
are provided whereby the outer skin or canvas forming the walls may
be hauled into position, while at the apex of the roof further pulleys
ensure the proper placing of the roofing. The airship is able to enter
or leave from either end according to conditions. The material is
fireproofed as a precautionary measure, but at the same time the modern
aerial bomb is able to penetrate the roofing without any difficulty and
to explode against the airship anchored within.

The one great objection to the Zeppelin harbour is the huge target it
offers to hostile attack, which, in the event of a vessel being moored
within, is inevitably serious. Thus, for instance, upon the occasion of
the air raids conducted by Lieutenant Collet and of Squadron
Commander Briggs and his colleagues at Dusseldorf and Friedrichshafen
respectively, little difficulty was experienced in destroying the
airships riding at anchor. The target offered by the shed is so
extensive that it would be scarcely possible for a flying enemy to miss
it. A bomb dropped from a reasonable height, say 500 feet, would be
almost certain to strike some part of the building, and a Zeppelin is
an easy vessel to destroy. The firing of one balloon is sufficient
to detonate the whole, for the simple reason that hydrogen gas is
continuously oozing through the bags in which it is contained. According
to a recent statement the Germans are said to be utilising an inert
or non-inflammable gas, equal in lifting power to hydrogen, for the
inflation of military craft, but scientific thought does not entertain
this statement with any degree of seriousness. No gas as light as
hydrogen and non-explosive is known to commerce.

Will Germany invade Great Britain by air? This is the absorbing topic of
the moment--one which has created intense interest and a certain feeling
of alarm among the timorous. Although sporadic raids are considered
to be possible and likely to be carried out with a varying measure
of success--such as that made upon the British East Coast--eminent
authorities ridicule an invasion in force. The risk would be enormous,
although there is no doubt that Germany, which has always maintained
that an invasion of this character will be made, will be compelled to
essay such a task, in order to satisfy public opinion, and to justify
official statements. It is a moot point, however, whether the invaders
ever will succeed in making good thei